Section 1 expands the definition of “killed in the line of duty” for the purposes of the public safety officer benefit provisions under chapter 299A to include the following.

• The death of any public safety officer caused by accidental means while the officer is acting in the course and scope of duties as a public safety officer.  Under current law, accidental deaths for the purposes of this section only apply to peace officers.  The bill expands the definition to include all public safety officers as defined in section 299A.41, subdivision 4.
• The death of any public safety officer who dies as the result of a heart attack, stroke, or vascular rupture if the officer engaged in stressful or strenuous tasks while on duty or training, or dies within 24 hours after engaging in stressful or strenuous duty or training.  A “killed in the line of duty” presumption can be overcome by competent medical evidence to the contrary.

Section 2 is an amendment to include the expanded definition in section 1 to the definition of “line of duty death” for the purposes of chapter 353, the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).

Section 3 provides that the bill is effective the day following final enactment.